Mayor Jerry Sanders said Thursday that there is no legal emergency at the cove at Children's Pool beach, which is home to some 200 harbor seals. He says the request for a permanent rope at the site can go through the normal approval process, which could take six months.

A local feud has gone on for years between those who want a barrier between humans and the seals, and those who don't.

The rope barrier was taken down after its permit expired May 15.

It was used during winter and spring to alert beachgoers to keep their distance from the seals.

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